10 Simple Cold Remedies for Children

Its that time of year again. The season where nasty coughs and sniffles launch their attack in what is known as the common cold. One way or another the common cold sneaks its way into just about every family home. The common cold, whether carrying out an attack at a parent's workplace, children's school or family shopping trip can spread very quickly and easily.

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The following are some natural and simple remedies to help your children get relief.

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Water, fresh juice, and herbal teas are great choices. Hot liquids such as hot lemon water and herbal teas can relieve nasal congestion, give the immune system a boost, prevent dehydration, and soothe inflamed membranes that line your nose and throat. 

2. Serve soup

Soup has been used as a remedy for treating colds and flu for many generations. While chicken noodle soup is a common choice any soup will work. You can also serve stew or plain broth since any warm liquid will help increase the speed of mucus through the nose.

3. Yogurt

Yogurt is beneficial in all the four seasons of the year. When suffering from a cold, the probiotics present in yogurt can help to reduce the inflammation within the body and also help reduce cold symptoms.

4. Tumeric milk

Add one teaspoon of tumeric powder to a glass of hot milk. Once drink is down to a warm temperature you can serve to your children, once a day. Tumeric contains curcumin which has antibiotic and antioxidant properties. Drinking warm milk containing this beneficial herb can give relief from cold and cough.

5. Sinu Cleanse Kids Mist

This natural spray washes away excess mucus safely and quickly.

6. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the most effective natural home remedies for colds because it increases the production of white blood cells and reduces mucus and inflammation in the nasal passageways. Serve your children oranges, peaches, kiwi, and strawberries. Broccoli and cauliflower can be added to soups. These foods are surprisingly packed full of vitamin C. 

7. Dress them comfortably

If that means letting them stay in their pajamas all day then so be it. Cotton or flannel pajamas are comfortable and warm. 

8. Raw honey

Give one teaspoon of honey taken as is or you can add one teaspoon of honey to a cup of milk. Stir and serve. Give two times a day for children over the age of one. Honey is known for its potent healing and antiviral properties. It can be effective in treating cold and soothing sore throat. Its antioxidants help the immune system battle virus or bacteria that cause cold. Raw honey will give you the maximum benefit.

9. Use a humidifier

A cool-mist humidifier can help relieve dry, stuffed up nasal passages by adding moisture to the room. Be sure to keep it clean as mildew and mold can build up after time. If you don't have a humidifier a shower will also work. Simply run a hot shower and sit in the steamy room with your child for a few minutes.

10. Raise the head

While your child is resting elevate the head with an extra pillow at night to allow mucus to drain.

11. Breathe Right nasal strips

These adhesive strips gently lift nasal passages so that your child can breathe better at night.

12. Extra attention

Of course your children will already have some extra attention from you as you nourish their bodies and keep watch over them. Warm hugs and snuggles can also help them feel better and works whether or not they are sick. Take a spot next to them on the sofa and pop in a favorite family movie. Being sick is no fun but at least you can try to make the best of the situation.

13. Clean

Cleanliness will help keep the virus under control and help prevent that cold from spreading. Make sure to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in all areas of your home such as door knobs, remote controls, faucets, and telephone.

14. Children's Vicks VapoRub

This children's form of VapoRub is specially for children 2 years and older. When used correctly, it can be helpful with congestion and cough. The main ingredients in this rub include camphor, eucalyptus, and menthol. Its important to note that Camphor can be toxic when absorbed through mucous membranes or broken skin so do not put any vaporub on children's noses or in their nostrils.

15.  Rest

Colds and flu can zap energy and make children lose their energy quickly. Rest is important to allow the body time to recover.

Do you have any simple cold remedies for children?